SWOOSH wants you to bring toy donations for needy children

It's easy this time of the year to forget the reason for the season and how fortunate most of us are.

Give yourself a break with SWOOOSH -- Students With Outstanding Outlook On Spreading Hope-- and their holiday fundraiser.

It's an opportunity to get together with family and friends to share a little holiday cheer from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Rocco Vino's Restaurant, 904 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream.

SWOOOSH, a student group at Glenbard North High School, is hosting this party with hopes of collecting toys for area needy children. For each toy donated, donors will be served a nine-inch personal pizza and unlimited soda for $6, including tax and tip.

"Don't forget the teens, too," said Nancy Zak, SWOOOSH co-chair.

She said that oftentimes this age group is forgotten. Teen gift suggestions include CDs, lotions, journals, bubble bath, scarves and mittens and batteries, when needed.

These donations are earmarked for the Humanitarian Service Project based in Carol Stream, with DuPage and Kane counties as the distribution area.

Zak said the goal is to receive as many gifts as possible because they have no idea what to expect.

SWOOOSH was revived at Glenbard North High School during the 2006-07 school year when Zak's daughter, Jill, 21, suggested heading the group as her way of offering students the same opportunity she had as a SWOOOSH member.

"It's a drug- and alcohol-free environment, giving kids an opportunity to safely volunteer in their community," said Zak, giving her daughter the majority of credit for bringing back SWOOOSH for the students.

Now 15 members meet once a month with co-chair Linda Court; Court's daughter, Meghan, a Glenbard North student; Jill Zak; and Zak's other daughter and co-chair, Jen, 18.

"The kids really do love helping others," Zak said. "And I think it is very important for them to know that there are volunteer opportunities in their own back yard."

Call Nancy, Jill or Jen at (630) 668-5910 if you are not able to attend but would like to make a toy or monetary donation.